More harm or benefit? Gastroenterologist tells who should not eat watermelon

On a hot day, when your appetite decreases and your body demands more fluids, there is nothing better than a slice of watermelon. This large berry is not only delicious, but also healthy. Despite its rich nutritional composition, some people should still consume watermelon with caution.

What we will tell you about

Health benefits of watermelon

doctor-gastroenterologist, nutritionist

“Watermelon contains many nutrients that are beneficial to health.”

1. Water. Watermelon is 92% water, which helps maintain normal body fluid levels. Hydration is important for many functions, including maintaining body temperature and normal function of all organs.

2- Lycopene. This powerful antioxidant gives watermelon its red color. It is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. It also helps protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.

3. Citrulline. This amino acid present in watermelon improves blood circulation and reduces blood pressure by increasing the production of nitric oxide in the body.

4. Vitamins and minerals. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, and vitamin A, which supports healthy skin and eyes. The berry also contains small amounts of other B vitamins, including B1, B5 and B6, which help the body use energy from food more efficiently.

5. Magnesium and potassium. These minerals are important for normal nervous system function and play a key role in regulating blood pressure.

6. Low in calories. The low calorie content makes watermelon an ideal choice for weight watchers. It is suitable both as a snack and as an addition to summer meals.

7. Dietary fiber. Fiber in watermelon helps normalize intestinal function.

8. Silicon. Watermelon contains 40% of silicon. This mineral performs several important functions:

• Strengthening bones and joints: silicon promotes the absorption of calcium and magnesium, which is necessary to maintain healthy bones and strengthen their structure. This helps prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, which affects connective tissues;
• Skin, hair and nail health: the mineral promotes the production of collagen, which supports skin elasticity and repair. It also enhances the health of hair and nails;
• support vascular health: silicon plays an important role in strengthening blood vessel walls, which promotes better blood circulation and the prevention of cardiovascular disease;
• Detoxification: the mineral is involved in detoxification processes, helping to eliminate heavy metals and other toxins from the body.

Including watermelon in the diet has a positive effect on overall health, protects the heart and blood vessels, and maintains normal blood pressure.

Harmful properties and contraindications

Despite all its benefits, watermelon has contraindications.

Watermelon sugar levels. Watermelon contains a large amount of sugar (fructose), which will negatively affect the health of people with diabetes, insulin resistance.

Fructose. Watermelon is recommended to limit those who have problems with the liver – fructose accumulates in the organ in the form of fat, which over time can lead to obesity of the organ.

Digestive problems. Watermelon has a lot of water and fiber: if the berry is consumed in large quantities, diarrhea or abdominal bloating may appear. Watermelon is not recommended for ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, exacerbation of pancreatitis and cholecystitis.

Allergic reactions. The product is capable of causing allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include rash, hives, swelling of the larynx and difficulty breathing.

Effects on the urinary system. Because watermelon has diuretic properties, excessive consumption increases the strain on the kidneys and urinary tract. If a person has certain kidney diseases, eating this berry is not recommended.

Interaction with drugs. The berry can increase the effect of diuretics and some other medications.

Hydration problems. Despite the high water content of watermelon, excessive consumption of it in hot weather without additional fluid intake can lead to water imbalance.

How much watermelon can I eat per day?

Consumption of watermelon, like any product, should be moderate. One or two servings can be eaten per day, where one serving equals approximately one cup of sliced watermelon (about 150-200 grams).

It is important to consider individual tolerance, especially if you have digestive problems or diabetes.

How to preserve the freshness and health benefits of watermelon?

Whole watermelon retains freshness and useful substances if it is kept in a cool place at a temperature of +7 to +10 degrees Celsius. Under these conditions, the berry will remain fresh for up to two to three weeks.

Cut watermelon should be stored in the refrigerator, having wrapped the place of cut with food film or transferred to a tightly closing container. In this form, it should be consumed within three to five days.

If you want to keep the product for a longer period of time, you can peel it from the rind, cut it into cubes and freeze it. In this form, watermelon will be a good addition to smoothies or desserts. But it should be borne in mind that after defrosting, its texture will change.

Ways of consuming watermelon

Watermelon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Appetizer or dessert

A slice of watermelon is a great and light snack. It is perfect for a hot summer day, refreshing and thirst quenching. It can also be served as a fruit salad or added to desserts, such as yogurt, jam, ice cream or candied fruit.

Watermelon juice and cocktails

Watermelon juice is a vitaminized drink that can be consumed as an independent dish or used as a base for cocktails. Mix it with lemonade or top it with mint for a refreshing flavor.

Recipes with watermelon

Watermelon can be used not only in sweet dishes. It goes great with cheeses, especially feta, vegetables and fruits. Here are some unusual recipes.

Watermelon gazpacho with tomato juice

Ingredients:

• watermelon (flesh) – 200 g;
• tomato juice – 150 ml;
• cucumber – 0.5 pcs;
• red onion – 0.5 pcs;
• green onion – 1-2 pcs.;
• salt – 4 pinches;
• ground black pepper – 2 pinches;
• vegetable oil – 0,5 tsp;
• fresh herbs – a few sprigs.

Preparation:

1. Turnip and green onions, herbs, cucumber finely chop.
2. Remove all the seeds from the watermelon, and crush the pulp with a blender.
3. Pour tomato juice into the resulting mixture and mix thoroughly.
4. Pour the liquid into a deep bowl, add cucumbers, onions, herbs and spices, pour oil and mix.
5. Remove the gazpacho to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to cool completely.

Cucumber, watermelon and feta salad

Ingredients:

• watermelon (flesh) – 300 g;
• cucumbers – 2 pcs;
• feta cheese – 100 g;
• fresh mint – 1-2 sprigs;
• olive oil – 2 tbsp;
• white wine vinegar – 1 tbsp;
• salt – 1/2 tsp;
• ground black pepper – 1 pinch.

Preparation:

1. Remove all pips from the watermelon and cut into small cubes.
2. Cut peeled cucumbers and feta cheese.
3. Combine the watermelon, cucumbers and mint leaves in a bowl and arrange the cheese on top.
4. For the salad dressing, mix olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt and a pinch of ground black pepper.

Grilled watermelon with feta cheese

Ingredients:

• watermelon – 650 g;
• cheese (or feta cheese) – 100 g;
• chili pepper – 7 g (or to taste);
• fresh mint – 5 g;
• salt – 1 pinch;
• ground black pepper – 1 pinch;
• vegetable oil – 30 ml.

Preparation:

1. Cut two slices of watermelon 1,5-2 cm thick, remove the rind and pips.
2. Grease the slices on both sides with vegetable oil, salt and send to a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the watermelon for 4-5 minutes on each side.
3. Place the slices on a plate, crumble 50 g of cheese evenly on each slice, season with ground black pepper.
4. Cut the chili pepper into rings and place on top of the cheese together with the mint leaves.

Enjoy!